Pavlova Christmas Tree
This Christmas tree is sure to bring joy to everyone who gathers around your holiday table. Layers of chocolate-marbled meringue are stacked with pistachio and mascarpone cream. Don’t forget the trimmings! Sugared cranberries, small sprigs of rosemary, and a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” complete the festive look.
Tasty Team
75% would make again
Total Time
14 hr
14 hr
Prep Time
1 hr
1 hr
Cook Time
2 hr 10 min
2 hr 10 min
Total Time
14 hr
14 hr
Prep Time
1 hr
1 hr
Cook Time
2 hr 10 min
2 hr 10 min
Ingredients
for 12 servings
Pavlova
- 8 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (350 g)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (225 g)
Sugared Cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g), divided
- ¼ cup water (60 mL)
- 1 cup cranberry (140 g)
Pistachio Whipped Cream
- 8 oz mascarpone (225 g)
- 2 cups heavy cream (480 mL)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (55 g), divided, plus 2 tablespoons
- 6 oz unsweetened pistachio paste (165 g)
- ½ teaspoon Juniper Green gel food coloring
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, trimmed into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, for decorating
Nutrition Info
- Calories 560
- Fat 43g
- Carbs 41g
- Fiber 3g
- Sugar 34g
- Protein 11g
Estimated values based on one serving size.
Preparation
- Make the pavlova: Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Find 6 circular objects, such as plates or glasses, starting with 6 inches in diameter and going down 1 inch in diameter. Trace each circle onto the sheets of parchment, leaving at least 1 inch of space between the circles. Flip the parchment paper over so the traced side is facing down. Set the oven racks in the middle and top positions. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Add the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes total. Remove the bowl from the mixer and transfer the meringue to a larger bowl, if desired.
- Add the chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, 1½–2 minutes total.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the meringue and use a rubber spatula to gently fold twice to create a marbled effect.
- Use a rubber spatula to dollop the meringue onto the parchment paper, filling in the traced circles. Smooth the edges with an offset spatula, making sure each round is 1 inch tall.
- Bake the meringue rounds for 2 hours. Without opening the oven door, turn off the heat and let the meringues cool for 8 hours, or overnight.
- Make the sugared cranberries: Set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Add ¼ cup sugar and the water to a small saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is simmering, about 3 minutes. Add the cranberries and stir until well coated. Transfer the cranberries to the wire rack and let dry for 1 hour.
- Transfer the cranberries to a medium bowl. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup sugar over the berries and stir to coat all over. Return the cranberries to the wire rack and let dry for 1 hour.
- Make the pistachio cream: In a medium bowl, whip the mascarpone with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until lightly and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, use the hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, 4–5 minutes. Add ½ cup powdered sugar to the whipped cream and continue beating until medium peaks form, 2–3 minutes. Add the pistachio paste and food coloring and beat until evenly combined. Fold the whipped mascarpone into the whipped pistachio cream with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Place the largest meringue round on a flat serving platter and top with about 2 cups of the pistachio cream, spreading nearly to the edges of the meringue. Continue stacking, working from the largest meringue layers to the smallest and alternating with the cream. Finish with the smallest meringue round.
- Stick the sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs to the pistachio cream layers around the pavlova. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar to a fine-mesh sieve and dust over the top.
- Slice and serve.
- Enjoy!
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